This week we are visiting Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Those of you from the Portland Oregon area know of the Christmas Ships tradition along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. We are pretty proud of our Christmas Ships and last winter in Savannah Georgia we were somewhat critical of the local tradition in that area. See “Savannah by Stomach,” our November 27, 2005 blog at (under construction, check back later for link)

This year we attended the Boat Parade of Lights put on by the London Bridge Yacht Club in Lake Havasu City Arizona. I will include three of our photos below.

There are a couple things that make this a really good parade. First it is up close and intimate. The canal runs through the heart of the entertainment district, and it is rather narrow and lined on both sides with bicycle/pedestrian ways. The relocated “London Bridge” spans the canal and forms an attractive backdrop for the boats. Second it is well attended. Even a cold windy night failed to keep the people away, and although the crowd thinned before the last boats came through there were plenty of spectators to keep the boaters enthusiastic. Third there is an abundance of party boats. Many of these are pontoon boats, quite different from the more seaworthy boats on the Columbia River, but really very able platforms for the participants to exercise their imagination. One group of boaters even tied their standard run-about boats bow to stern with short tow ropes and formed a huge reindeer and sleigh float that was six boats long. Another boater decorated his boat to represent a motor home pulling Santa’s sleigh. Remember this area is thick with Snow Birds.

While we are still partial to the Christmas Ships of Portland Oregon, We give a rousing “well done,” to the London Bridge Yacht Club and to all of the participants in the boat parade.

Good Bye for now. We send our love and holiday greetings to all;

Gary and Judy Dinsmore